David Thornton
LB, North Carolina · 2002 NFL Draft, Round 4, pick #106 (IND)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: position, availability. Details below.
- Position
LB (LB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.8% of the time (701 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 121 of ~128 possible regular-season games from 2002 through 2009 (~95%). Last NFL season: 2009.
- Pre-draft rankings
No ESPN pre-draft ranking on file for him.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
North Carolina: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.62 40-yard dash at 236 lbs: faster than 62% of LBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 121 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 7 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 42 |
| Defense | 566 tackles, 5 sacks, 5 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2009 |
The 2002 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2002 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position LB | 56.8% n=701 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 236 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.62 s |
| Bench press | 26 reps |
| Vertical | 35.5" |
| Broad jump | 117" |
| 3-cone | 6.93 s |
| Shuttle | 4.09 s |
| Age at draft | 23 |
Picked around him 2002 redraft
| 103 | Justin Peelle | redraft #127 |
| 104 | Alex Brown | redraft #11 |
| 105 | Brian Williams | redraft #54 |
| 107 | Omar Easy | redraft #197 |
| 108 | David Garrard | redraft #9 |
| 109 | Travis Dorsch | redraft #223 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.